What is the difference between brown sugar and white sugar. Difference between white and brown sugar

Sugar is loved by adults and children, it improves brain function and improves mood. In Russia and the CIS countries, they ate mainly sugar white color, but not so long ago brown sugar was brought to our country. And many sweet tooth since then are interested in the question: cane sugar and regular - what is the difference between them? And does it exist at all?

How is beet sugar obtained?

To get everyone's favorite beet sugar, people use sugar beets. In the middle of the eighteenth century, the German chemist Andreas Marggraf published his numerous observations on how sugar was extracted from sugar beets. Records of a talented scientist have survived to our time.

The French commander Napoleon Bonaparte tried with all his might to improve the production of beet sugar in France in order not to buy sugar from Great Britain.

In 1802 Alexander Blankenagel opened the first Russian Empire factory for the production white sugar. I. A. Maltsev, with the help of the counts of the Bobrinskys, improved the production of sugar in the Russian Empire. In 1897, more than two hundred sugar factories were operating in the Russian state.

How is cane sugar made?

For the manufacture of cane sugar sugar cane is used. At the end of the fifteenth century, the navigator H. Columbus brought to about. Haiti sugarcane. Over time, sugar cane began to grow in India and the United States. In the sixteenth century, a cane sugar factory began its work in Germany. But despite this, sugar for a long time remained an object of wealth and luxury.

It grows over several years. Sugarcane is harvested in two ways by hand or by agricultural machinery. The stems are cut into small pieces and taken to processing plants. At the factory, the sugar cane stalks are finely crushed and the juice is extracted with pure water.

First, the juice is subjected to maximum heat in order to destroy numerous enzymes. The resulting syrup is passed through several evaporators, after this procedure, all the water comes out. After the above procedure, they begin to form sugar crystals. The resulting crystals have a brown tint and are completely ready for use.

What are the benefits of cane sugar?

Cane sugar is 88% sucrose. But in addition to sucrose in the composition brown sugar, also includes at least useful material:

  • Potassium- improves heart function and strengthens blood vessels, reduces arterial pressure. Promotes the absorption of proteins and fats. Cleanses the intestines and removes accumulated toxins from the human body;
  • Calcium- improves the condition of bones and tooth enamel. Promotes blood clotting and has a beneficial effect on brain function;
  • Zinc- preserves youthfulness of the skin and makes hair thick and shiny;
  • Copper- improves the human immune system;
  • Phosphorus- improves brain and heart function;
  • Iron- strengthens blood vessels.

Brown sugar is extremely beneficial for human body and should be included in your diet.

Harm of cane sugar

Unfortunately, sugar brings our body more disadvantages than advantages. However, it should be remembered that sugar harms the sweet tooth only if he consumes it in considerable quantities.

And eating even brown sugar can lead to such serious diseases as:

  1. Diabetes;
  2. Excess weight;
  3. Atherosclerosis;
  4. Allergic reaction.

If a person has diabetes, then he should try to completely eliminate sugar from his diet, or at least drastically reduce its amount. With pancreatitis, bronchial asthma and oncology, you should also limit the use of any sugar.

In the store, when buying cane sugar, give preference to sugar in a transparent package. So you can take a close look at it. appearance. Carefully read the composition on the label, it should say that sugar unrefined.

Very often, under the guise of cane sugar, they sell tinted beet sugar Of course, such a food product will not harm your body, but you will not get much benefit from this sugar. And pay for it like brown sugar, which is much more expensive than white sugar.

What are the benefits of beet sugar?

There is also a lot of sugar in our native white sugar. useful substances. Beet sugar contains useful trace elements, but manufacturers often do not write about it on the packaging. After the manufacture of beet sugar remains, dark molasses. And molasses is used to produce livestock feed and alcohol.

Beetroot juice contains not only sugar, but also a lot of other useful substances:

  • Protein;
  • Pectin;
  • oxalic acid;
  • malic acid;
  • citric acid;
  • Potassium;
  • Sodium;
  • Magnesium;
  • Cesium;
  • Iron.

But it is worth noting that the manufacturers of white granulated sugar are behind the times. AT Soviet time implemented granulated sugar yellow color. If the enterprises did not have time to produce white granulated sugar, then the sellers put yellow sugar on the shelves of stores. Nowadays, brown sugar would cost more than white sugar, as it is enriched with organic elements.

Harm of beet sugar

Beet sugar harms our body only if we eat in large quantities. Because granulated sugar, like any other food product, should be consumed in moderation.

Excessive consumption of beet sugar leads to serious consequences such as:

  1. Decreased immunity;
  2. Improper metabolism;
  3. Increase in cholesterol;
  4. Oncological diseases;
  5. Destruction of tooth enamel;
  6. Excess weight;
  7. Allergic reaction.

Now you know the pros and cons of cane sugar and beet sugar. Now you will be able to answer the question, "what's the difference between cane sugar and regular sugar"? Each of them has useful and harmful properties. The main thing is not to use them in large quantities. And what sugar to choose is up to you!

Video about the difference between cane and regular sugar

Brown sugar has long been in high demand among health conscious people. What is the secret of this product, how does it differ from the usual white sugar, and what benefits does its use promise for the body? Let's figure it out.

Brown sugar - what is it?

Brown sugar is a product of sugar cane processing that retains its color and taste qualities molasses found in cane juice. Distinctive feature brown sugar is that during the production process it does not go through the bleaching stage.

A bit of history

In ancient times, brown sugar crystals extracted from cane were the first sugar that people began to enrich their diet with. The first mention of this wonderful plant dates back to the time of Alexander the Great. India is considered to be the birthplace of cane sugar, from which this product spread throughout Europe. In the 16th century brown cane sugar was a symbol of luxury and wealth. This product, which became the cause of the wars of conquest, was an indispensable guest royal table. In modern times, brown sugar is not something unusual and outlandish, because everyone can afford to buy it.

White and brown sugar: what's the difference?

Brown sugar has a number of undeniable advantages over its white counterpart. White sugar is a refined product obtained from the chemical processing of brown sugar. To obtain it, various bleaching agents are used, some of which, “settling” in white sugar, penetrate the human body with it. Brown sugar, the recipe for which does not provide for this kind of cleaning, is more natural and environmentally friendly.

The brown color of sugar is associated with the presence in its composition of components such as molasses or molasses, which have a lot of useful minerals. 'Cause brown cane sugar's biological value largely outperforms white.

Brown sugar: benefits and chemical composition of the product

Cane sugar for 85-98%, depending on the country of origin, consists of sucrose. In addition, the constituent components of this product are a number of trace elements useful for the human body.

So, potassium, which is part of brown sugar, helps cleanse the intestines, removes accumulated toxins, regulates blood pressure and is an active participant in the process of fat and protein metabolism. Without this mineral it is impossible normal work hearts.

As you know, calcium, which is also present in cane unrefined sugar, is responsible for the condition of teeth and bones, contributes to their strengthening. Also he has great importance for full functioning nervous system and blood coagulation systems.

Zinc is called to normalize fat metabolism. In addition, this mineral, which is an integral component of brown sugar, takes part in the processes of hematopoiesis, promotes the growth of skin and hair cells, and is also necessary for wound healing.

Improve activity immune system, copper is called upon to activate the body's defenses, and magnesium is called upon to speed up the course of metabolism and prevent the process of stone formation. Phosphorus, which is also rich in brown sugar, is necessary for the normal full functioning of the heart muscle and brain. It also participates in metabolic processes, being an integral component of cells and, above all, cell membranes.

Iron, which is also part of cane sugar, is necessary for the work circulatory system. By the way, in brown sugar, compared to white, purified, the concentration of iron is almost 10 times higher.

Thus, brown sugar, the benefits of which are undeniable, must be included in the diet of every person who is not indifferent to their health.

Scope of application

Cane brown sugar belongs to complex, complex carbohydrates, therefore, the process of its assimilation by the body proceeds at a slow pace. For this reason, such sugar will benefit all those who are struggling with extra pounds. Moreover, according to modern nutritionists, this product can be safely used on salt-free, low-fat, and protein-free diets, but this should be done in moderation. So, without harm to the diet, you can consume about 50 grams per day. brown sugar.

Also, unrefined cane sweetness is widely used for recovery after training, in a healthy diet. Due to the mass of its useful properties and high quality this product is an indispensable element baby food, and should also be included in the diet of people prone to allergic reactions.

Brown sugar is used as an additive to hot drinks. So, it will not only add sweetness to tea or coffee, but also give them an incomparable aroma. Cane sugar is also added to canned food, marinades, bakery products, desserts, sweets, ice cream.

calories

Cane brown sugar has about the same calorie content as its counterpart, white beet sugar. If a modest measure of its consumption is not observed, this product can also quickly go into body fat.

So, if the calorie content of 100 gr. white refined sugar is 387 kcal, then unrefined brown sweets - 377 kcal. As you can see, the difference is insignificant. However, if desired, you can find brown cane sugar on sale, the calorie content of which is 200 times less. A similar effect is achieved by adding aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener, to the product.

Beware, fake!

Unfortunately, in modern times, it is highly likely that when buying cane sugar, you will encounter a fake. recognize defective goods There are two ways, but, unfortunately, this can only be done at home.

So, method number 1. To carry it out, you need a bottle of iodine. Brown sugar should be diluted in a glass of water and put a couple of drops of iodine into it. Real brown cane sweetness, reacting with iodine, acquires a blue tint. If this does not happen, then this is not a real product, but a fake.

Method number 2. For the second experiment, as in the first case, it is necessary to dissolve cane sugar in warm water. If this quality sugar the water will remain colorless. If you have ordinary caramel on your hands, then the liquid will turn brown.

Among consumers, brown sugar "Mistral" is in special demand. This brand has established itself exclusively with positive side, as the goods produced under his brand are always distinguished by their high quality.

Alternative to brown sugar

Many people tend to completely eliminate sweets from their diet, which have high calorie. In this regard, the question of how to replace brown sugar is very relevant. There are several options here.

  • fresh sugar cane juice, which contains brown unrefined sugar, however, in an organic, absolutely safe form;
  • natural honey;
  • vegetables and fruits, which contain high level glucose (apples, apricots, bananas);
  • dried fruits (raisins, banana chips).

Thus, brown cane sugar is very useful product, the use of which has a beneficial effect on the work of all organs and systems of the body.

The harm and benefits of this product are not known to many, although more and more fans healthy eating they buy it. It is believed that it is less calorie and not so harmful. After all, sugar has long been called the "white death" because of its ability to cause various diseases. Many try to abandon this product altogether, because they monitor their health. But doctors warn that the body needs glucose. It is very important for brain function. Therefore unrefined is important product on the table for those people who want to be healthy. Moreover, you can buy it in any supermarket.

What is brown sugar

Few people know how it differs from ordinary beetroot. Refined white sugar is more accessible because it is cheaper to produce, and the sugar beets from which it is made grow everywhere. But in order for sugar to become usable, it is subjected to complex process cleaning and bleaching. That is why it is considered so harmful. The brown variety is made from sugar cane.

Its homeland is India, and already many hundreds of years ago it became popular in Europe. This sweetness is obtained by boiling, and it does not need bleaching at all. The brown mass has nice smell molasses and is ready to use without additional processing. But it still costs more than regular sugar. The price of overseas sweets is more than 100 rubles per kilogram.

Benefits of Brown Sugar

Thanks to the gentle processing method, this sweet is not only tasty, but also healthy. It retains all the vitamins and minerals contained in the cane. How is cane sugar different from regular cane sugar? Its harm and benefit are the subject of much controversy. But it has been proven to have the following benefits:


Can this product be harmful?

Supporters of a healthy diet try to buy only it. They believe that in order to maintain health and beautiful figure reed is best suited and the benefits of this product are in many cases exaggerated. After all, for example, its calorie content is not much lower than that of the usual one. Therefore, those who want to lose weight should also reduce the amount of sweetness they consume, even if it is because it contributes to obesity when consumed in large quantities. This is because the glucose found in cane sugar immediately enters the bloodstream and provides energy to the body. If a person does not spend it, then it is put aside in reserve. Therefore, the opinion that cane sugar can be consumed in large quantities is incorrect. Like white, it can cause metabolic disorders, disorders in the pancreas, decreased immunity, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

What is cane sugar

He is given molasses. The more it is, the darker the product. Therefore, some manufacturers who want to make money brown regular sugar. Its price turns out to be much higher, but there is no benefit - only harm.

Unrefined sugar is considered the best, as it retains more nutrients. It is he who is popular with fans of healthy eating. There are several types of brown sugar:

  • The Demerara variety is imported from South America. It is distinguished by sticky wet crystals of a golden brown color. This sugar is the mildest in action and is considered the most beneficial.
  • Muscovado variety has a pronounced caramel aroma. It is moist and sticky in texture and dark in color.
  • Turbinado variety - with large dry particles. During production, it is partially purified.
  • Barbadian black is the most valued. He has very dark color and a moist, sticky consistency.

Why is cane sugar so popular?

After this product was brought to Russia several centuries ago, it was available only to the rich. And in recent years, he appeared on the shelves of our stores. But not everyone now knows what cane sugar is. Its harm and benefit are still the subject of controversy. But experienced chefs only it is added to baking, because it gives pies and buns a unique refined taste and aroma. Also, bartenders prefer to make cocktails and coffee only with cane sugar.

How to distinguish a fake

In order not to buy ordinary tinted sugar, you need to know what to look for when buying:

  • the packaging must indicate that it is unrefined;
  • real cane sugar cannot be sold in the form of perfectly even briquettes or homogeneous sand, since all its crystals have a different shape;
  • Such sugar is produced only in South America, the USA or Mauritius.
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Diets and healthy eating 22.03.2018

Dear readers, many of you cannot imagine your life without sugar. Surely you know that it can be not only classic white, but also brown. Such sugar is called cane sugar, and it is obtained from sugar cane, which grows in India and Cuba. He has a handsome golden color and caramel flavor. With cane sugar, gourmets like to drink coffee and tea, many add it to homemade cakes for a special flavor.

It's trendy to buy today natural products, and manufacturers actively support the idea of ​​​​healthy eating, which the population has caught fire. But it’s not customary to talk about the risk of buying a fake. In supermarkets and the Internet, you can order all types of cane sugar, but how can an inexperienced consumer distinguish a quality product from a low-quality product? And how is cane sugar useful and is it useful at all? Should you give up beet sugar? Let's figure it out difficult question. Let's talk about the benefits and dangers of cane sugar, about their differences.

A bit of history

Russian consumers learned about cane sugar back in the 90s, when it was actively imported to us from Cuba, and it was even a little cheaper than our usual beet sugar. His homeland is India. Alexander the Great brought it to Europe. In the Middle Ages, sugar was sold in pharmacies. Peter the Great opened the Sugar Chamber in Russia in the 18th century. The world produces 60% of cane sugar and 40% regular sugar.

Main types of cane sugar:

  • Demerara- the most common variety of finely ground cane sugar, has a thin delicate taste, suitable for coffee and cooking meat with appetizing icing;
  • Muscovado - elite grade cane sugar, which undergoes minimal processing, has a rich characteristic sour caramel-vanilla aroma;
  • Turbinado- raw cane sugar brown-golden color, which is subjected to partial purification from molasses with water and steam;
  • Barbadian- has a dark shade and strong aroma, contains a large number of molasses.

Let's see how brown cane sugar looks in the photo. It can be made in the form of refined sugar or in a crumbly form.

Cane Sugar vs Beet Sugar - What's the Difference?

How is cane sugar different from regular sugar? This issue is of particular concern to those people who adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. What is the difference? The main difference, of course, is in the composition.

Brown cane sugar is an unrefined, unrefined sugar that retains most of its nutrients:

  • cellulose;
  • calcium;
  • zinc;
  • potassium;
  • B vitamins;
  • sodium.

Regular sugar has less calcium and other nutrients. But you should be aware that cane sugar can be not only brown, but also white (refined). The benefit of such a product is small. If you use cane sugar for health, then choose better dark varieties(unrefined and unrefined). Then there will be no harm from the product, subject to its moderate use.

Classic brown cane sugar unique taste our favorite drinks are coffee and tea. They also make baked goods with a crispy crust, which is obtained due to the presence of molasses.

calories

The calorie content of cane sugar does not differ from the usual one: approximately 400 kcal per 100 g. But still, sugar is a simple carbohydrate that needs to be consumed in a small amount, and with age it is recommended to abandon it altogether or drastically limit it.

How much cane sugar can you eat per day

The daily rate of sugar per day (not only in the form bulk product, but also in the form of baking) - no more than 5 teaspoons. Excess glucose can harm the body, in particular, according to experts, it makes our blood vessels fragile and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, after the intake of sugar in our body, calcium is spent on its processing - the main element for maintaining healthy teeth and bones.

Which sugar is sweeter - cane or beet

In terms of sweetness, beet sugar is richer, it is really sweeter. It is more economically spent in everyday life. Cane sugar is not as sweet, its flavor is milder, and it opens up well in coffee and baked goods. Especially tasty with its addition are homemade muffins and cookies. If you need to choose sugar according to the degree of sweetness, then it is better to buy beetroot. Cane is loved precisely for the combination of a special aroma and taste.

Main useful components cane sugar are calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. There are a lot of these substances in this product. Per 100 g, it contains approximately 62 mg, 332 mg, 117 g, 2 mg. But eating so much sugar just for the sake of obtaining nutrients is not worth it - it is more useful and safer to get them from other products.

Main beneficial features cane sugar:

  • strengthens bones, prevents the development of caries and tooth loss, slows down the course of age-related osteoporosis;
  • gives useful energy, increases efficiency, restores strength after hard physical work and psycho-emotional stress;
  • increases immunity, enables the body to actively repel viral attacks, slows down the aging process due to the presence of antioxidants and B vitamins;
  • ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain;
  • regulates metabolic processes in the body, supports hematopoietic function;
  • normalizes work digestive tract due to the content of natural fiber, cleanses the intestines of mucus and harmful products metabolism;
  • due to the presence of potassium, cane sugar supports the active work of the heart muscle, prevents the development cardiovascular disease.

Cane sugar is especially useful for knowledge workers who need a regular supply of glucose. Than eating sweets and high-calorie pastries, it is better to add a piece of refined sugar to tea. This will benefit the brain. I myself like not to add it to tea, but to drink it as a bite.

You know, you can’t live without sweets either, but you need to be able to find an alternative to harmful carbohydrates. Since cane sugar contains a lot of calcium, when glucose is absorbed, one's own calcium reserves will be consumed at a slower rate. This is a big advantage, in my opinion.

This video describes the benefits of brown cane sugar, its types and possible harm for good health.

Which sugar is better - cane or beet?

This is a traditional question that worries many consumers. Refined sugars are all equally harmful. But unrefined cane - many times more useful. It has 23 times more calcium than refined sugar. If only because of this, it is worth giving preference to sugar produced on the basis of cane juice.

How to choose the right cane sugar

Today, the demand for this product has grown significantly, but not all consumers know how to choose a quality product. Be sure to study the packaging: proven cane sugar producing countries are Mauritius, Latin America and Cuba.

How to distinguish a fake from the original

There are many myths regarding the quality of cane sugar. On the network, many even conduct various experiments at home, but, alas, their results are not always reliable. To the unsophisticated consumer who has never bought before similar product, it is difficult to distinguish a fake cane sugar from the original.

There is an opinion that The best way testing cane sugar for quality is an attempt to dissolve it in water, which, according to many, should remain transparent. In fact, such experiences should not be taken seriously. Cane sugar contains molasses, which colors the liquid. This is a completely natural reaction.

You should also be skeptical about the experiment with iodine, which should color the starch contained in cane sugar. But there is so little of this starch that you are unlikely to see the blue coloration of the water.

What to look for when buying cane sugar? I would advise you to look at the price. The main difference between cane sugar and regular sugar is its qualitative composition. But a good product cannot be cheap. Therefore, if the cost of cane sugar is suspiciously low (less than 250-300 rubles per kg), then you most likely have ordinary colored sugar in front of you.

It is important to feel and see the line between the health benefits and harms of cane sugar. Only moderate use product may be safe for health.

Cane sugar is such a kind of exotic, a delicacy for gourmets and those who want to minimize the harm from consumed carbohydrates. But these are not fruits and vegetables that can be consumed almost without restrictions. I know that some people eat cane sugar in lumps, and this is understandable: it has a unique caramel taste and they just want to eat it. But always remember the sense of proportion, which will help to keep both the figure and blood vessels, and not to develop insulin resistance, from which many begin to gain weight catastrophically quickly.

Can cane sugar be used for diabetes

With diabetes, limit any sugar, including cane. Use simple carbohydrates possible with the permission of the endocrinologist. With diabetes, the risk of developing obesity and cardiovascular diseases is increased, so it is better to replace sugar with honey, which contains more fructose than sucrose, or use sweeteners. The severity of restrictions directly depends on the severity of the disease. Therefore, in any case, it is better to consult with your doctor.

Sugar is not only sweet. Sugar is our joy

Cane sugar can be used in a variety of ways. The most common option is to add the product to tea and coffee. To give culinary specialties caramel flavor and delicate aroma you can also use cane sugar.

homemade cookie recipe

You will need the following products:

  • 1 egg;
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar;
  • 100 g of sifted flour;
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar;
  • 120 g soft butter;
  • a glass of raisins;
  • a pinch of vanillin;
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal;
  • a pinch of salt.

mix soft butter With powdered sugar and brown sugar. Add beaten egg, vanilla, cereals and flour. Then add raisins and salt to taste. Stir the mixture thoroughly, form it into neat cakes, put on a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven to 200 ° C. Cookies need to be baked golden brown(10-20 minutes).

Sweet epilation

You can use brown sugar not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology - it turns out good pasta for . With its help, it is easy to remove excess hairs on the body. Cane sugar syrup caramelizes quickly, so it can be used for home hair removal if desired.

For classic pasta You will need: 6 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Just mix all the ingredients (except lemon juice), melt them over low heat until caramelized, stirring often. Lemon juice add to the mixture immediately after boiling sugar, when the surface is covered with bubbles. Refrigerate the composition for several hours. Before use, knead a small piece of paste to the state of plasticine.

How to store

Due to its high hygroscopicity, it is recommended to store cane sugar in a glass or ceramic tight jar with a ground-in lid. Keep in mind that it quickly absorbs odors. Do not store fragrant open foods near cane sugar. Before buying, carefully inspect the packaging: it must be intact. During the transportation of products, many manufacturers lay poisons between the bags to prevent damage to the container by rodents. Cane sugar is very hygroscopic, quickly absorbing moisture and odors. If the packaging is damaged, there is a risk of product deterioration.

pushed back fashion products: unrefined and underrefined cane sugar, caramelized crystals, etc. As a result, sugar in stores is offered at a price of 40 to 300 rubles. for packing. Is it worth paying that kind of money for it?

twin brothers

About 30% of sugar in the world, according to the Union of Sugar Producers of Russia, is made from sugar beets. It is grown in Russia and Ukraine, as well as in European countries. The remaining 70% is cane sugar, which grows only in the tropics and subtropics (the leaders in production are Brazil, India, Cuba, Mauritius, and Thailand). Both sugars can be refined and. “If the sugar is white, refined, it doesn’t matter what plant - beets or cane - it was obtained from, it contains 99.9% pure sucrose,” said AiF. Marina Moiseyak, Associate Professor, Department of Technology of Sugar, Subtropical and Food Flavoring Products, MGUPP. Today, many claim that white sugar is dangerous because of the strong chemical purification. According to the expert, surfactants are indeed used in the manufacture of sugar - active detergents, but so that they do not remain in finished product, sugar is twisted in a centrifuge and washed with clean artesian water.

Brown...poison

People leading a healthy lifestyle are switching to brown unrefined sugar. It is believed that it has fewer calories (377 kcal - versus 387 kcal of regular sugar), and it is also less likely that it was "washed" with chemistry. In addition, it takes longer to be absorbed by the body. “In fact, the fact that cane brown sugar is better than white is a myth, invented by manufacturers and marketers - I'm sure Alexey Kovalkov, dietitian, specialist in proper nutrition . - Moreover, such sugar can be more dangerous than refined sugar. It is transported by ships from the countries of Latin America and Asia, and so that rodents do not spoil it, poison is laid between the bags. Sugar, having an excellent ability to absorb moisture, absorbs part of the poisons together with moisture from the air. Often in unrefined cane sugar, dangerous trace elements go off scale!

According to him, the benefits of molasses - dark brown molasses, which is condensed cane juice - are greatly exaggerated. Yes, it contains phosphorus, calcium, iron, provitamins and amino acids, but... no more than in a glass of water! To obtain daily allowance nutrients, you need to eat 1-2 kg of sugar. The harm will be much greater than the benefit. It is better to drink vitamins in a tablet.

Expensive and fashionable

There is one more reason to think before buying expensive brown sugar. A year ago, "AiF" together with the Society for the Protection of Consumer Rights "Public Control". Without exception, all samples turned out to be cheap refined sugar, painted brown! "Refined sugar was covered with a thin film of molasses, it is not illegal, although dishonest, - explained Marina Tsirenina, expert who conducted the tests. - Less conscientious manufacturers can dye refined sugar and artificial sugar color". At that time, almost all the producers of pseudo-cane sugar called the editorial office, lamenting that they had been slandered. But no one dared to go to court and prove the opposite.

By the way, in production, unrefined cane sugar is cheaper than refined. So the marketers who made the whole world buy it at exorbitant prices get a solid five for their work! Remember the yellowish beet sugar sold in Soviet times. It was cheaper than snow-white refined sugar and was considered a second-rate product. But this is, in fact, the same thing - sugar not refined from molasses.

Like caramel

Another sweet novelty is caramelized sugar, which is sold in the form of attractive crystals. Often on a stick. This is convenient to dissolve in a cup or use as a candy. But these crystals are made from molten high temperature... the same refined sugar.

And often such sugar has an unpleasant bonus: when heated for a long time, hydroxymethylfurfural, a toxic mutagen, can form in it.

“Any sugar, regardless of the raw materials from which it is produced, in large quantities is a poison that causes addiction,” sums up A. Kovalkov. - Today, without noticing, we eat half a kilo of sugar a day - with fruits, pastries, ketchup, soups and cereals, because sugar is put almost everywhere. In the entire history of mankind, people have never consumed so much sugar! 5-6 years old sweet life- and diabetes mellitus is provided.

If you really can’t do without sugar, you can buy simple granulated sugar (how to choose it - see infographic) - it is the cheapest, but far from the worst.

What to replace?

Jerusalem artichoke syrup. Sweet pomace from the root crop, which grows in Russia as well, is suitable for adding to any dishes. Instead of sucrose, it contains fructose. Approved for diabetics. From 200 rub. for 500 g.

■ Maple syrup. Famous Canadian sweet. They can sweeten anything you cook. From 350 rub. for 500 g.

■ Agave nectar. In Russia, this cactus does not grow, so the nectar is expensive - from 500 rubles. for 500 g.

■ Stevia leaves. Natural sweetener - a special aster native to South America. Powdered leaves 10 times sweeter than sugar but have a taste. From 1 thousand rubles. per 1 kg

How to choose sugar?

Unrefined cane sugar

Look for the word “unrefined” on the packaging, not “dark”, “golden” or “brown”, which do not mean anything.

The type of cane sugar must be indicated on the package. For example: demerara (golden-brown large crystals), muscovado (large crystals, dark brown), turbinado (partially refined in the turbine, golden yellow), black barbados (sticky, almost black).

Brown sugar has a strong specific aroma of exotic juice.

Has crystals different size, identical crystals indicate that it has been processed.

Cannot be as loose as refined sugar. Its crystals are sticky due to molasses, sugar is wet, sticks together in lumps that turn to stone in the air.

Dip the spoonful of raw sugar into the glass, but do not stir. If the sugar is dyed, the water will turn brownish or yellow. good sugar will retain color and the water will remain clear.

white granulated sugar

Prefer packaged at the enterprise, not in the store. The name of a major manufacturer gives hope that the cleaning technology is carried out correctly and household chemicals no sugar left.

According to GOST R 53396-2009, there are two categories: extra and first. For the consumer, there is no difference in them, but manufacturers must indicate the category.

In addition, the following data must be indicated on the package:

Raw materials (beet or raw cane sugar);

The nutritional value,

Year of manufacture and date of packaging.

If the packaging says that the sugar contains sulfur dioxide (perhaps needed for sugar refining) or GM products are used (sugar beet is often modified), it is hardly worth buying it.

White lumpy

It can be instant (dissolution time - up to 10 minutes) and strong (more than 10 minutes). This does not characterize the quality of sugar, but indicates how strongly the crystals are compressed into pieces.

The package of lump sugar must contain the same data as on a pack of granulated sugar.

Powdered sugar

Don't buy it, better make it yourself. The fact is that the composition of the powder always contains anti-caking agents: corn starch, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium aluminosilicate or calcium aluminosilicate. Without them, the powder will clump during storage.

Infographics by Yana Laikova
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